Powder measure recommendations?

[Dahak]

I charge my cases on-press using a Redding T-7 via a powder-through expanding die (handgun rounds only though 5.56 is in my future). After my learning curve, my Lyman 55 powder measure is reliable and consistent. I picked up an extra turret head and tried a second powder measure - tried the Lee Deluxe Perfect Measure - ugh. Leaking like a sieve with W296, get that fixed with some polishing compound, then play around with the angles for the throw arm and the .... call it the measuring tube. Long story made medium, I'm returning it in better condition than when it came to me, but I'm not going to mess around with it any more.

Internet sleuthing shows the Lyman 55 is discontinued.

What's the go-to value powder measure these days?

 

[Bob L]

I have been using my RCBS Uniflow measure now for about 40 years and have been real happy with it. Day-in and day-out, it remains consistant! Good Luck.

 

[noylj]

Bench-mounted, my Lee PPM is most consistent. Never would use it press-mounted.
Most consistent press-mounted has been the Hornady L-N-L.

 

[Ivan the Butcher]

I started on a Lyman 55 and currently have the Black Powder variant. Ge to a gun show and buy a used one or two!

Ivan

 

[Krogen]

I bought a Redding 3BR years ago. I'm still very pleased with it.

 

[rwsmith]

Same here....almost.

I have been using my RCBS Uniflow measure now for about 40 years and have been real happy with it. Day-in and day-out, it remains consistant! Good Luck.

I've been using my Uniflow about 10 years and have been real happy with it. I would recommend fabricating a baffle to put into the hopper. They have patterns on the web to fit different measures. I used a can lid.

I tried the Lee Powder Perfect. Unusable, though I usually like Lee stuff.

 

[CH4]

Lee scoops and an old Ohaus 505 triple beam.
I often contemplate geting an RCBS Charge Master, but the thought quickly passes. However, I did just order a Franklin Arsenal electronic scale just to periodically test the accuracy of my triple beam.

 

[SMSgt]

My Herter's powder dropper has worked fine since 1975, but I don't think you can order one anymore...
When I finally decide to replace/upgrade mine, it will most likely be with an RCBS unless someone convinces me otherwise.

 

[stansdds]

In over 30 years of reloading have owned and used exactly two powder measures. The first, a Lyman 55, which can be very consistent in the charge weight thrown and highly adjustable, but not really suitable for a progressive press. The other is the RCBS Uniflow that came with my RCBS AmmoMaster press kit. It has been very reliable and is fairly easy to adjust. I will not go so far as to say that the Uniflow is as easy to adjust or as consistent as the Lyman 55, but certainly good enough for cranking out lots of rounds in a short period of time. There is a micrometer adjustment screw available for the Uniflow, but I never bothered to buy one.

 

[Ivan the Butcher]

In an article about the AMU (Army Marksmanship Unit) in the now defunct "Precision Shooting", an accompanying photo showed their loading room. They insisted on buying all their equipment and would accept no "Donated" equipment and neither made or sold endorsements! Their equipment had to work every time, be affordable (relatively speaking), have repeatable adjustments, and durable! The equipment they used in the late 90's for a powder measurer was/is the Redding BR30. That measurer is calibrated to work best at 30 grains of powder and is adjustable from 10 to 50 grains. I load 6mm PPC, 22 BR, 223 Rem., 308 Win, and several oddball calibers with it. (the 6 PPC and 22 BR for use to 500 yards ; the 223 & 308 for use to 1000 yards) My experience has led me to believe this measurer (and the BR-50) is the meeting of accuracy and best cost!

In 2008 I won a match of unknown distance, with no sighting shots. You either hit with one shot or you didn't move forward! Turned out the distance was 528 yards, the target was a 2 liter pop bottle, a 20 ounce pop bottle, a six ounce pop bottle, and a golf ball! I was using a Custom Remington 700 with a 28" 6 x 284 stainless bull barrel. My powder was IMR 4831SC. It metered fine from my BR-30. I only wish they made a BR-100 for my 338 Lapua!

Ivan

 

[rockquarry]

I've had several over many years, including RCBS, Herter's, Lee, Harrell, and Redding. It looks to me like the basic design in all of them is quite similar. Most work well, though repeatable adjustments are certainly an advantage.

I have only Redding measures now. The newest one is at least thirty years old.

 

[Geronimo Jim]

I will second the Redding BR30. Have 2 of them for long range
precision. However, I throw and then weight every charge.
Also have a RCBS that has worked fine for 40 years. Redding is
just smoother and easier to adjust.

 

[Goldstar225]

I've been using an RCBS Uniflow for over 25 years and have no complaints about it.

 

[jjfitch]

The quality of the drop is dependent on how the drum or slide fits the type of powder granules. The most popular powder measures seem to be the L-55, RCBS, Hornady and the Dillon for the "every man" shooter!.

In order to help in your search, Google reloading for precision pistol/rifle competition. One thing I noticed is that some Dillon presses have Hornady powder dispensers perhaps related to the specific powder being used in order to get that <.1 grain consistency! (See post #10 for the ultimate shooter reference)

One thing facing reloaders that is often overlooked is the objective of what they are about to load. Me, I have 7 reloading stations. Each for a specific cartridge and down range requirement.

I'm not OCD, I'm not, I'm not, I'm not.......

Smiles,

 

[Skyhunter]

Belding and Mull, bench mounted. I've been using mine for the past +35 years. It's not fast, but it is accurate.

WYT-P
Skyhunter

 

[shil]

I have been using my RCBS Uniflow measure now for about 40 years and have been real happy with it. Day-in and day-out, it remains consistant! Good Luck.

As have I! Just put some powdered graphite on the drum now and then. Great unit, like my 40-year-old Rockchucker press!

 

[ken158]

Tried a bunch - went cheap and bought Lee and quickly dumped that junker... currently use a RCBS and a Harrell (very nice).

 

[Leonard]

Harrell is by far the best I have ever used!

 

[dave1918a2]

Been reloading for 50+ years. Another vote for Redding match grade BR50.

 

[Benchrest1]

Another vote for the Harrell. It doesn't get any better .